By the seat of my pants I got a reservation at The Inn at Pound Ridge. A getaway to Greenwich and Bedford with only 2 nights to try restaurants that would leave me wanting to go back.
I called the day prior to our trip for a reservation. There were none available. I called again and left a message. I could not believe that they called me back asking me what time I wanted the reservation for. Don’t know if anyone canceled but a reservation I indeed had.
The Inn at Pound Ridge started as a residence back in 1833. Then, an inn, and now renowned International Chef Jean-Georges has it as a farm to table restaurant. It has an understated elegance that is palpable the moment you step in.
You can check the credentials of Jean-Georges. A Michelin Star winner, a businessman, a restauranteur, and a book publisher. Restaurant patrons all over the world appreciate his cooking style. http://www.jean-georges.com
“Soup to Nuts” comes to mind as I write this post. It means from beginning to end. Every aspect covered. The term can be attributed to many things and not just cooking.
Fireplaces were roaring, it was a cold night. The Inn at Pound Ridge is located at 258 Westchester Ave. http://www.theinnatpoundridge.com
They were taking us downstairs and I thought maybe our table was not going to be a prime table. Well, surprise, surprise, it certainly was. In an alcove next to the fire. Very private and cozy. Jess, our server, promptly came over. A shout to him. He was very attentive throughout our dining experience.
Drinks were ordered. Then, the soup. Butternut Squash Soup with Wild Mushrooms. A delicate soup, full of color and flavor.
The Kale Salad with a Parmesan Dressing, Croutons, and Mint. I tasted this salad. It was not my own. I would say that it was very good but not the best I have tasted before.
Look at that Steamed Black Seabass. It was the evening’s special and got a thumbs up review.
Every good restaurant offers beef. How it is prepared can make for a memorable experience. This Beef Tenderloin reflected that. It was eaten slowly because he did not want it to end. Those are smooth parsnips, with roasted Brussels sprouts and a Miso mustard.
My Faroe Island Salmon was amazing. That’s my description. It is a favorite entree at the restaurant and it came with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and a truffle vinaigrette.
A few after dinner drinks, a little coffee, and more conversation. No dessert was necessary even though for the purpose of a food post I should have had one.
What’s a memorable dining experience? Those chips, again, have to fall into place. The atmosphere, the food, and the company. Yes, the company makes it priceless!!
Until next time, I remain. AboutMyBeaches has its own FB Page if you would like to leave a message. Finding out about what’s going on, what events, what restaurants…reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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In the winter there is nothing like a warming bowl of soup. It was cold on Sunday. But, today at the Delaware Beaches the temperatures will rise to the upper 40’s. I’ll take that.
Over the years I have bought tons of magazines. A lot of them have been food oriented. I go through them many times and then I start cutting recipes out and putting them in folders. With a morning coffee I go through them and if something catches my eye, I take it out.
I picked an Onion Soup Recipe that got my attention back in 2013 in a Food & Wine Magazine. It is a healthier version of the traditional French Onion Soup. Traditional soups are fantastic but making them healthier while conserving flavor it’s the trick. That hunk of bread and thick layer of melting cheese makes it high in calories and sodium. Sorry, but it is true.
For Meatless Monday and being that it is a cloudy day this onion soup might be just what you need. I made it yesterday and it is a keeper.
Meatless Monday is a worldwide organization trying to have folks like us eat meatless at least one day per week.
The Recipe
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions, (sweet or regular) halved and thinly sliced
Kosher Salt
1/4 cup of dry white wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups of beef stock or low sodium broth
Baguettes (either cut your own or buy prepared ones) I used small ones for my large bowl.
Gruyere shredded cheese. I packed that cheese on the baguettes.
In a large pot heat oil until shimmering. Add the onions and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and just starting to brown. Maybe about 7 minutes or so. Taste the broth and add a bit of salt and continue to cook over moderate low heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and golden. I would say 20 minutes?
Add the wine and soy sauce to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes.
Add the stock and bring to a boil. Then, simmer over low to moderate heat, again stirring occasionally until the onion broth is well flavored and slightly reduced. Taste again and if needed add more salt.
You can make the soup ahead of time until this point.
Then pre-heat the broiler and arrange the baguettes on a baking sheet and top with the Gruyere cheese. Broil until melted.
To serve this onion soup, ladle it into bowls and top with the cheese toasts. You may sprinkle a little bit of cheese all over the soup prior to placing the cheese toasts, as well.
Hope this will be a keeper for you too. Remember AboutMyBeaches has a FB page just in case you want to chime in.
This blog started in 2009 with the idea of offering the readers who want to be in the know about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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It was a short getaway, but getaways are usually short. What makes them memorable is when all the chips fall into place. The trip, the accommodations, the weather, and most of all, the restaurants.
I asked the Delamar Hotel, where we were staying, to send me a list of Italian restaurants. The one that spoke to me was Polpo. First the name because it means octopus and I love octopus or squid. An extensive menu it was so 4 of us were there a week ago. Still remember it and definitely would visit again on another trip.
What are some of the characteristics of a good Italian restaurant? What do you actually look for? A lot of food, you really don’t serve a dot on a plate. Oh no. Great ambiance, and good service. Please don’t rush us. Last but not least is food quality. Best ingredients are a must.
Polpo delivered. Our servers were a team. The accents were deep, rivaling my own. There was music in the bar area. People were chatting and for a moment in time we forgot that a pandemic is still with us.
At Polpo they have matchstick fried zucchini and it was ordered for the table. At first I thought well I am not sure. Why order this when there is so much more of that. Guess what? Crispy, and guilt free eating.
A few salads were ordered. All through our ordering the restaurant was alive, waiters coming and going. Boy, I have missed the noise and the people.
Just a reminder that at Polpo everything is homemade. A salad of homemade mozzarella with roasted peppers and white anchovies (Boquerones) was not mine but I got to have a few of the anchovies, which I loved.
Too far for me to taste it but look at the Burratta Caprese with Prosciutto. It got very good reviews.
I love Branzino. This Mediterranean fish is full of flavor and I usually order it whenever I see it. At Polpo they had a fillet. I asked if they had a whole fish. That’s what I wanted. Signora anything you want we can do. Do you want us to debone it? Of course not!! How could you say such a thing. That is where the flavor is. They loved saying that eating it whole was the way to go. They just did not know I knew how to pick crabs, that I can eat a lobster all throughout. This Branzino was no challenge. I ate everything with gusto. It was the best Branzino and thank God it was because the whole fish was pricey.
The Branzino al Forno was served with a rosemary and garlic sauce. You can see it right on this next photo, next to the Cacio e Pepe dish that was also ordered. The dish was delicious but they cautioned that it was very peppery.
The Mediterranean cuisine has introduced us to Rapini or Broccoli Rab. Full of flavor and loved the garlic.
Someone said that homemade pasta absorbs the flavor of a dish better than pasta bought at a grocery store. The Linguini on Vongole with White Clam Sauce was received as the best they have had.
Most of the time I do not order dessert. Not that I don’t want to. It is the fact that I like to practice some restraint.
This dense chocolate cake and ice cream, I had a bite and could have had more. A perfect ending to a memorable Italian dinner.
We ventured out the door. It had started raining. But it did not matter. We had full stomachs and smiles on our faces.
My regret? That my photos were not the best that night. Trying to capture everyone’s dishes before they dove into them. That was tricky.
Until another time, I remain. Check out my AboutMyBeaches Facebook Page to find out about events, restaurans, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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The Delaware Beaches have been crowded this Holiday Season. Why not? The weather has been somewhat “warm”, the beach is an inspiration for many, shopping could be a therapy for most. A change of scenery which feels soooo good.
This area is a foodie’s paradise. You really find a wide variety of foods and establishments. I have felt very safe in the restaurants. They are really doing a good job.
Having lived here for a long time I have my favorite restaurants. My blog was started in 2009 to promote the area. And, I think I have.
One of such restaurants that I use like a neighborhood restaurant is Shorebreak Lodge, located at 10 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. They will be open for lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 10 p.m. http://www.shorebreaklodge.com
You can reserve online or you can call them at 302-227-1007.
Shorebreak also has Bar Seating. Great when there are only two of you. Good music and great wines.
If you would like a French 75 Cocktail this will be a good restaurant to try one. Ask to be made with Courvoisier instead of Gin.
I can tell you that I have loved everything I have tried at Shorebreak. But I always, for the most part, order the Grilled Octopus. It is the most tender octopus you will ever try. You can ask my brother, Miguel.
The Char Grilled Octopus is placed over Kohlrabi garbanzo slaw, harissa aioli.
The Seared Duck Breast melts in your mouth. Served with fingerling potatoes, beet greens and a butternut squash puree.
The Day Boat Scallops are huge. Most of all offerings can be served as appetizers or entrees.
The Shrimp N Grits are so well seasoned including a chorizo sauce.
The Deviled Eggs are very popular. A House Chimmi sauce and house cured bacon. What’s not to like?
You see that Hummus photo? Someone in the group said I don’t want any. I will tell you that it is outstanding. Pepita pesto, pickled red onion, garbanzo beans and toasted naan.
Brie N Naan was another choice for the table. Great for a crowd.
Coming to the desserts which are usually ordered when there is a group. Carrot Cake, a Key Lime Cake and a Chocolate Cake were sweet endings with everyone taking a bite here or there.
Enjoying a dinner with friends, good conversation, tasty food….all priceless!!
Shorebreak Lodge has a Facebook Page. AboutMyBeaches has a Facebook Page, as well where you can read little teasers of what’s to come to the blog or just leave a comment there. Until then, Have a Great Week.
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Taking advantage of one glorious Sunday, probably the nicest day in the next coming week, as rain, and even some snow are in the forecast.
Lewes is totally decorated for the holidays. Being that it is a balmy weekend, so many people are visiting the Delaware Beaches taking also advantage of outlet shopping with tax free shopping as well.
Me? I have been enjoying those blue skies and thanking that living at the beaches is not to be taken for granted.
Harbour opened at 134 West Market Street in Lewes, DE year. They are now serving lunch from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m. with Happy Hour, Food and Drink Specials from 3 until 5 p.m. Dinner takes place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Opens from Wednesday until Sunday. Reservations are required by phone at this time by calling 302-200-9522. Check out their website at http://www.harbourlewes.com
We arrived with no reservations at around 1:30 p.m. and were lucky to see that a couple was leaving the perfect table under the awning with beautiful view of the canal.
The restaurant is quaint. Has a private room for your special events, a nice bar and two indoor dining rooms.
A couple of Bloody Marys on this pretty Sunday. Checking out the menu. More than a few specials, as well.
I ordered their Farmers Market Salad to be topped with salmon. It is a simple salad, dressed lightly but the salmon is what makes it special. It is so delicious. Try it next time. Very much recommended.
Do you like Fish & Chips? A very good one it is served here at Harbour. It is craft beer battered Virginia Founder. Lightly fried and full of flavor too. Fries, coleslaw and a remoulade sauce on the side.
You love sitting outside even when chilly? Harbour also has heaters even though today was just perfect weather.
Hope your weekend was awesome. And, please continue to read my posts. Thanks.
Until then, I remain….
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Full of atmosphere, Eden is located in the trendy street called Baltimore Ave., in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 23 Baltimore Ave. to be exact, in the beach block.
Last night this was a destination for us. How surprising to see Rehoboth Beach full of cars. It is a balmy weekend in Southern Delaware, and the beaches, tax free shopping and a foodie paradise are part of the charm of what many call the Nation’s Summer Capital. The town is fully decorated for the Christmas Holiday. It usually is but this year both, commercial businesses and homes have gone all out. Saying goodbye to 2020 in a big way.
Eden has Happy Hour every day, and specials too. Wine diners and professional service is always a plus. Their tel. is 302-227-3330 and their website is http://www.edenrestaurant.com.
Love their Grilled Caesar Salad with a sun dried tomato/olive tapenade and pecorino romano. I always order it and it never disappoints.
I don’t think you see Antelope in the many restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. It is always on their menu. Last night was my choice. I chose not to get the sweet potato mashers so only bacon roasted Brussels sprouts for me. The antelope tenderloin was cooked medium rare and topped with a berry/red wine reduction. Full of flavor and tender.
This meat comes Broken Arrow Ranch in Texas. They are milder tasting compared to the ones farther north. I found out that Texas antelope is more tender because they do not confront the same predatory threats on the ranch.
The daily fish special was the Rockfish on top of pasta and veggies. Well received. This is a local fish and it is also very mild. Looks amazing, don’t you think?
No dessert because watching what you eat at this time of the year is a must.
Have a beautiful weekend.
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Seaford, Delaware, is in West Sussex County. From Rehoboth Beach it is probably about 38 miles. It may be a little bit of a hike for some, but for me, “Good Food, Will Travel. And so my post begins with 4 of us taking off for Seaford. Mind you, even though 2 of them do not live there anymore, they do have strong ties to this town. Locals they are.
I apologize for the photo above. A bit blurry but at least you can see how pretty this brick building is.
These true locals tell me how wonderful it was to grow up in Seaford. It was a prosperous town located along the Nanticoke River. At one point it was voted to be the Best Small Town in America.
For many years DuPont was in this town. Seaford was also known as the Nylon Capital of the World.
Restaurants, Inns, golf courses, hospitals, Seaford had everything a small prosperous town would want. Unfortunately, a lot of that is now gone.
Hold it there, don’t discount this town as a lost cause. There is one restaurant that for 28 years has been and still is worth going. And, I just went to Bon Appetit for the first time last week. I remember people mentioning the restaurant, and how good it was. I just never visited.
Bon Appetit is located at 312 High St. You need to call for reservations to 302-629-3700. They open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 .m. Website? http://www.bonappetitseaford.net
Husband and wife team. Chino from Peru and Karen from NY. Please read about them on their website above mentioned. Everything is prepared in-house.
There is Karen on the photo. The restaurant was about to close and we were saying our goodbyes. Bon Appetit has tablecloths, lace, French prints and a comfortable atmosphere.
They have a great menu with appetizers like corn fritters, poached mussels, country pate, pickled herring, smoked bluefish and so on. Soups and salads including the French onion soup, chilled Gazpacho, etc.
About 9 entrees are offered along with a couple of nightly specials.
Desserts which we did not have are Profiterole, Chocolate Mousse, Creme Caramel and so forth.
For a Wednesday night it was crowded.
I don’t think I have been in a restaurant in recent years where the butter served looked like this. So glad that this presentation has not gone by the wayside.
You almost hated to touch it. Small rolls for the table.
Some photos I did not take but the smoked fish ordered was delicious. I had a bite.
The Chilled Gazpacho I did have. I can make a Gazpacho, as well, and there are many ways of making this traditional Spanish soup. This particular one was excellent. Don’t miss it when you go.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms were delicious. Almost could not get that photo.
Sauteed File Mignon with Diane sauce was ordered. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
I knew even before I got to the restaurant what I was going to have. Tommy said that they were known for their duck. I order duck everywhere I go and this was one I was hoping was going to be as good as it was described.
Tommy and I had it and it did not disappoint. It was roast half of duck with a honey pear sauce. Crispy and great combination of flavors.
Ever since they started the restaurant every dish is accompanied by a vegetable mousse. You can see it in these photos. It is so good and a detail that cannot be forgotten.
No photo of the soft shell crabs, but they were big. Got great reviews too.
All in all a very nice evening.
The Rehoboth Foodie has written about Bon Appetit. And, when I told him where I was he said “LOVE Bon Appetit! Now, THERE’S skill”.
All I have to say is that I cannot wait to go back. Remember that driving around Sussex County is pretty easy. Fall is here pretty much so go out and try something new. You won”t be disappointed.
Enjoy!!
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They call it Stewman’s and it is located on the waterfront at 35 West St., Bar Harbor, Maine. Tel. 201-288-0346. Website? http://www.stewmanslobsterpound.com
From the West Street Hotel, and our balcony, we had an advantage view. Around 11:30 a.m. or so the line begins to form. It goes quickly and we were there on Labor Day. An ideal setting to be able to sit right on the water.
Early in the morning we took a walk around the area. Not open yet but you were able to get the idea of what they would be serving there. It has a full menu and of course many of the delicacies that you come to experience in Bar Harbor.
You can watch them make the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. Pounds and pounds of this delicious soups with an addition of Sherry.
It was quiet but not for long.
Then look at it as the afternoon progressed.
We stopped for a tasting of soup. Both completely different, but my bisque was truly delicious.
I’ll be honest, I thought, originally, that it was going to be a tourist trap. Yes, tourist do come in but, boy, was I wrong. It is definitely worth trying. It stays open until 9 p.m.
So if you are thinking of a quick get away this Fall, Maine has captured my attention.
Posting from Maine’s trip, I remain.
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